Lifeflight Toowoomba given new wings

A new base and headquarters for LifeFlight Toowoomba that officially opened over the weekend will equip the life-saving charity with quality facilities to continue providing urgent medical assistance across regional Queensland.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the new CASA-compliant hangar was a long-overdue upgrade for the charity organisation.

“LifeFlight is such an important asset to Toowoomba, flying more than 641 missions last year in our region alone to provide life-saving assistance to people in need, and it’s crucially important that we support their brave work,” Mr McCormack said.

“The previous base was an aging collection of temporary and relocated buildings at Toowoomba Airport, and I believe we can do better for such a vital service like LifeFlight.

“I’m proud that we are investing in this project that has provided LifeFlight with the high-quality facilities and new headquarters they deserve to keep saving lives.

Federal Member for Groom John McVeigh, who helped officially open the hangar at the annual gala ball on Saturday, said the new base will be able to accommodate flight crew on-site, increase the maintenance capacity, and even cater for a new helicopter fleet.

“This investment is also providing a flight simulator room to better train pilots for their life-saving missions, as well as facilities for the doctors, nurses and pilots, including a kitchen, lounge, gym and outdoor barbecue area,” Dr McVeigh said.

“In addition to supporting the fine work of LifeFlight, the substantial investment in this project has given back to Toowoomba through supporting over 120 jobs during construction.

“This means more people are spending and investing in the community, which is precisely the outcome we want to achieve.”

This project was funded by the Australian Government investing $2,046,534, Clive Berghofer $1,875,000 and LifeFlight Foundation Ltd $473,582.